Suspects in retail fraud ring arraigned

(FORT GRATIOT TOWNSHIP) -- Three St. Clair County residents were arrested following an investigation into the theft of thousands of dollars in merchandise from Wal-Mart, Meijer, and several other businesses in Fort Gratiot Township. Sheriff Tim Donnellon says the suspects stole televisions, vacuums, shoes and other merchandise. Authorities reviewed store surveillance video and conducted interviews before taking the suspects into custody. 29-year old Victoria Urie of Port Huron was arraigned on two counts of first-degree retail fraud. She posted a $1,500 cash bond. 28-year old Duane Stone Jr. of Kimball Township was also arraigned on two counts first-degree retail fraud and remains jailed on a $5,000 bond. 43-year old Norman Karl, a fourth offense habitual offender, was arraigned on two counts of first-degree retail fraud and one count receiving and concealing stolen property. His bond was set at $25,000. Sheriff Donnellon says citizens are tired of people stealing from stores and driving up prices. He commended his deputies and detective bureau for their work with store loss prevention in bringing the three suspects to justice.